Ruth Schaffner

A Visionary Who Believed in African Artists

Some people discover art. 

Others dedicate their lives to ensuring the world discovers artists. 

Ruth Schaffner belonged to the latter. 

An American by birth and a Kenyan by choice, Ruth devoted much of her life to championing contemporary East African art at a time when many talented African artists had limited opportunities to exhibit internationally. Guided by an unwavering belief in the power of creativity, she helped build one of East Africa’s most respected contemporary art galleries and became one of the region’s most influential advocates for African artists. 

Her legacy is not defined simply by the exhibitions she organised or the artworks she presented, but by the lives she transformed through encouragement, opportunity, and friendship.

A Journey to Kenya

Ruth’s relationship with Africa was built on curiosity, respect, and a genuine appreciation for its cultures and artistic traditions. 

Together with her husband, Adama Diawara, she chose to make Kenya her home. In 1985, they acquired Gallery Watatu in Nairobi and embarked on a shared mission to promote the remarkable creativity emerging from East Africa. 

At a time when contemporary African artists were still seeking wider international recognition, Ruth recognised both the quality of their work and the importance of creating a professional platform through which their voices could be seen and appreciated. 

Gallery Watatu became that platform. 

Under Ruth’s leadership, Gallery Watatu developed into far more than an exhibition space. 

It became a welcoming environment where artists could experiment, grow, and develop lasting relationships with collectors, curators, scholars, diplomats, journalists, and visitors from around the world. 

Ruth possessed a remarkable ability to recognise artistic potential. She believed that every artist deserved to be judged by the quality of their work rather than by geography or circumstance. She encouraged originality, respected individual expression, and promoted artists whose work reflected the diversity and richness of East African life. 

Many artists who exhibited at Gallery Watatu during this period would later achieve international recognition, and numerous collectors first encountered contemporary East African art through the exhibitions she carefully curated. 

To many artists, Ruth was much more than a gallery owner. 

She was a mentor, confidante, critic, and friend. 

She invested time in understanding each artist’s journey, encouraged experimentation, and celebrated artistic growth with genuine enthusiasm. Her support extended beyond exhibitions, helping artists gain confidence, build professional careers, and connect with audiences both within Africa and abroad. 

She believed that artists deserved not only recognition but also dignity, respect, and the opportunity to earn a living through their creativity. 

Her generosity and commitment earned the trust of artists across East Africa, many of whom continued to speak warmly of her long after her passing.

Ruth Schaffner passed away in 1996, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy within East Africa’s artistic community. 

Although her life was cut short, the influence of her work continues to be felt through the artists she championed, the careers she helped shape, and the cultural conversations she inspired. 

Following her passing, Adama Diawara continued the work they had begun together, ensuring that Gallery Watatu remained a respected home for contemporary East African art. 

Today, countless artists, collectors, and friends continue to remember Ruth not only for what she accomplished, but for the kindness, generosity, and encouragement she shared with everyone who crossed her path. 

Ruth Schaffner believed that African artists deserved international recognition and that their work should be celebrated as an essential part of the world’s cultural heritage. 

Her vision helped introduce East African contemporary art to new audiences, strengthened relationships between artists and collectors, and contributed to a greater appreciation of African creativity around the world. 

Today, Diawara & Schaffner Gallery proudly honours her legacy by continuing the work she began—celebrating artists, preserving history, and inspiring future generations to discover the richness and diversity of East African art. 

 Legacy at a Glance 

  • American-born art patron and cultural advocate. 
  • Settled permanently in Kenya with Adama Diawara. 
  • Co-owner of Gallery Watatu from 1985. 
  • Champion of contemporary East African artists. 
  • Mentor to numerous emerging and established artists. 
  • Helped establish Gallery Watatu as one of East Africa’s leading contemporary art galleries. 
  • Remembered for her generosity, vision, and unwavering support of African creativity. 
  • Inspiration behind the creation of Diawara & Schaffner Gallery. 

Ruth Schaffner believed that great art has the power to cross borders, challenge assumptions, and bring people together. 

Her life’s work reminds us that believing in an artist can change not only one career but also the cultural history of an entire region. 

Through Diawara & Schaffner Gallery, her vision continues to inspire new generations to appreciate, preserve, and celebrate the extraordinary creativity of East Africa. 

“The most enduring legacy is not simply the art we collect, but the artists we encourage and the opportunities we create for their work to be seen.”